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New Publication: The Monuments of the Eastern Hill (Samothrace 9)

The American School of Classical Studies at Athens is pleased to announce the publication of The Monuments of the Eastern Hill (Samothrace 9) by Bonna D. Wescoat.

The Sanctuary of the Great Gods on the island of Samothrace holds a unique place within the history of ancient Greek architecture. In this volume, the key monuments that form the theatral complex, including the Theatral Circle, the Fieldstone Building with its masonry-style plaster interior, the marble Doric hexastyle Dedication of Philip III and Alexander IV, the elegant Ionic Porch later attached to the western side of the Dedication, and the remains of dozens of bronze statues that originally framed the Theatral Circle, are presented in their archaeological, architectural, and historical contexts. The potential significance of the complex within the mystery cult, both as the place that initially gave shape to the group of pilgrims undergoing initiation, and as the place where new initiates ultimately departed the Sanctuary, accords the theatral complex on the Eastern Hill a central place in the history of ancient Greek sacred space. Actual-state and reconstruction drawings; photographs; and a catalogue of the small finds, including pottery, lamps, terracotta figurines, coins, metal objects, inscriptions, stone objects, and glass, accompany the text.

The Samothrace series publishes the results of excavations in the Sanctuary conducted by the Institute of Fine Arts, New York University, which were initiated in 1938. The series was formerly published by Princeton University Press; volume 9 is the first volume in the series to be published by the ASCSA.